Balsamic Vinegar

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Balsamic vinegar / Aceto Balsamico / ranks among the most valuable and most expensive products in the world. It originates from Modena in northern Italy. The original vinegar is made there, and nowhere else in the world. Balsamic, as many people call it, is a culinary delight with which Italians know very well how to pamper their taste buds and on the other hand to spread their culinary masterpieces around the world.

Balsamic vinegar is world famous, but unfortunately it is not in the pocket of most people. However, culinary experts are completely unanimous - balsamic vinegar is one of the most invaluable gifts of true Mediterranean cuisine.

The production technology of balsamic vinegar is very complex. The grape molasses needed to make it is aged in barrels for about 15-20 years. Wine vinegar is used for fermentation.

Each year the liquid is poured from a larger to a smaller barrel, which gives the vinegar its characteristic rich aroma. The producers claim that the vinegar should be placed first in chestnut and then in oak barrels to be stored in warm rooms.

As it matures, balsamic vinegar becomes more fragrant. It is flavored with herbs, most often basil, tarragon, cumin, mint, rosemary, celery, lemon balm, anise seeds, dill, parsley and many others.

History of balsamic vinegar

In Modena they have been acquainted with the valuable qualities of balsamic vinegar since the Middle Ages. There are texts of 500 years that speak of balsamic from Modena and the technologies for its production. The story tells of the Duke of Modena Francesco IV, who never set out on a journey unless he carried a few bottles of balsamic vinegar with him. Another interesting fact is that both the rich and the poor in those days had their own judgment for balsamic vinegarwhich is passed from mother to daughter as the most personal gift.

Balsamic vinegar has a low alcohol content and is obtained from sweet grapes and wine vinegar. Its taste is enriched by various herbs that turn it into a complete culinary masterpiece. Over the years, Italians have spread the recipe throughout Europe, but notice - create their own consortium "Balsamic Vinegar from Modena", which unites the most important and old producers of balsamic vinegar and protects the name and local traditions of production in Modena around the world. The consortium guarantees to its users that the products sold by the members are original and of high quality.

Composition of balsamic vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is extremely rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, bioflavonoids, sodium and potassium. It does not contain cholesterol and fat, which makes it a great ingredient in diets for weight loss.

100 g balsamic vinegar contain 88 calories, 17 g carbohydrates, 0.49 g protein, 14.0 g sugars, 0.13 mg manganese, 0.03 mg copper, 27 mg calcium, 19 mg phosphorus, 0.08 mg zinc, 0.72 mg iron, 23 mg sodium, 112 mg potassium.

Selection and storage of balsamic vinegar

You will know the real one balsamic vinegar at a mind-boggling price. In some cases it reaches a price over BGN 100 for an extremely small amount. Balsamic vinegar is sold only in pear-shaped bottles. There are several types of balsamic vinegar that are recognized by the ethics of the bottle. Balsamic with a red label means that the vinegar is 12 years old, the silver label is 18 years old, and the gold label symbolizes 25 years of vinegar.

There is a classification of balsamic vinegar according to the cap. The white cap means he is 12 years old and the 25-year-old has a magenta cap. By these signs and the price you will naturally recognize the quality balsamic vinegar. Store the vinegar in a tightly closed bottle.

Of course, cheaper imitations of balsamic vinegar can be found on the market at an affordable price, but in reality they have almost nothing to do with the high quality product that is the real balsamic vinegar.

Balsamic vinegar in cooking

Do not use balsamic vinegar during heat treatment, but add it to ready meals. Put only a few drops, because the aroma is very strong and in large quantities would not be pleasant to the senses.

Balsamic vinegar is a suitable addition to all vegetables, emphasizes very well the taste of meat dishes and in general gives an elegant sophistication to culinary creations. The taste of vinegar is a great addition to salad dressings, various gourmet sauces. It may sound strange, but it emphasizes the taste of fruits such as strawberries, peaches and raspberries.

Benefits of balsamic vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is an excellent source of antioxidants. It is high in bioflavonoids and phenolic compounds. They have a number of health benefits - reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, improve mental health, help prevent diabetes, heart attack, reduce the likelihood of Alzheimer's, help regulate blood pressure. It is believed that balsamic vinegar reduces the risk of cancer, reduces the risk of osteoporosis, has a positive effect on the appearance of the skin.

Other important benefits of consuming balsamic vinegar are related to weight loss. It can be used in diets for weight loss because the polyphenols in it act through a double mechanism - they improve insulin resistance and prevent lipogenesis.